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Archers thread #149: This is not a drill, it’s a plot device. Here’s hoping for Stella-r rows in Ambridge. Discuss The Archers here.

979 replies

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 06/06/2023 08:28

Thank you, @PseudoBadger, for kicking off this long, long series of Archers threads.

Archers All views on The Archers welcome here! New blood welcomed, and of course we are always delighted to welcome back former or occasional listeners/posters. We don't all agree on all points, although we do mostly try to be civil about it. Most of us are posting tongue in cheek a lot of the time, so don't worry about revealing that you think George Grundy's bantz make him a great laugh and totally harmless to women, or other unusual views. Grin

Archers Spoilers: not on this thread, please! We don't wait for the omnibus to discuss the weeknight episodes, but we do try our best to avoid cross-contamination from www.mumsnet.com/talk/radio_addicts/4636789-the-archers-spoilers-thread-7-cant-wait-for-702pm-join-us-here, where spoilers are positively welcomed!

Archers For newer listeners, lurkers or those who just have no idea what we're talking about, @DadDadDad has created this useful thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/radio_addicts/3557323-For-Archers-fans-a-guide-to-acronyms-on-the-long-running-discussion-threads-and-any-other-meta-thread-questions-you-may-have - BOOP point for him! (See thread for explanation.)

Thanks for title suggestions - @FallonsNewCoat started us off with Drilling down OR What’s the drill?: So many jobs hanging in the balance - what’s planned for Adam, Stella, Freddie and horrible George?, @OverArmour's suggestion was ‘Drilling down on less than Stella-r performances and who will be a pig in muck’ and @TeenDivided contributed the laserdrill focussed Lets drill into plot holes and hope George gets his comeuppance. I went for a bit of all of that. The phrase at the back of my head, which I am very pleased to have tracked down, was from one of my favourite film franchises where the character Conklin says in Jason Bourne's memory This is not a drill, soldier. We clear on that? This is a live project. You are go. Training is over. Training is over. Well, that's us, troops. Training is over, discussing The Archers is a live project, and it's our job to drill down into all aspects of what we hear. Grin

On the last thread, people were discussing how unrealistic the portrayal of mental health problems is on TA. I wholeheartedly agree, but I suppose they don't feel they can tackle long-running slow burn storylines that often. They made a great effort with Jack Woolley's Alzheimer's. Other than that, I don't recall anybody having a recurring illness that's been portrayed realistically (and actually that goes for physical conditions as well). Most things clear up and are hardly mentioned again. Sticking just to mental illness, Pat had depression after John died, Mike Tucker had a bad bout of depression, so did Elizabeth. Helen's ED may or may not be about to re-appear, but nobody's mentioning it. Ben's rapid-onset depresssion recently led to a psychotic episode but now he's fine, not least because he got prompt, skilled and appropriate treatment on the NHS, unlike most of the UK. Hmm This is one area where I feel they shouldn't even attempt it if they can't do it in a way that reflects the reality of what most of us experience, for ourselves and our loved ones.

Anyway, with that off my chest - over to you!

OP posts:
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TeenDivided · 06/06/2023 08:38

How exciting, I have never contributed to a thread title before Smile

Fink · 06/06/2023 08:56

Thank you @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g

On the mental health thing, in the subtle way of Helen's biscuits, I wondered whether Ben's reluctance to attend Freddy's club night was a sign of some lingering MH concerns. Making excuses that it might not be his style of music because he actually couldn't face a journey, night away from home, crowd of new people ... ? Maybe he has recovered from the acute phase and the family will take ages to notice a gradual build up of anxiety? (It being the Dopeys he wouldn't stand a chance of it getting noticed for years). I could be wrong, it might just be a plot device to make sure that Freddy is alone to face whatever it is that's going to happen on Wednesday.

Kiwano · 06/06/2023 09:03

You've excelled yourself with the thread title, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g.

FallonsNewCoat · 06/06/2023 09:14

You have such a flair for these titles @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g! It’s a rare talent and much admired!

Tony seems to have forgotten that around 10 days ago he was about to disinherit Tom. I first thought the bonding scene over the strawberry ice-cream was unrealistic but have recalibrated this morning and realise it’s actually just very typical of the ups and downs of family life.

CaptainMyCaptain · 06/06/2023 09:52

Fink · 06/06/2023 08:56

Thank you @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g

On the mental health thing, in the subtle way of Helen's biscuits, I wondered whether Ben's reluctance to attend Freddy's club night was a sign of some lingering MH concerns. Making excuses that it might not be his style of music because he actually couldn't face a journey, night away from home, crowd of new people ... ? Maybe he has recovered from the acute phase and the family will take ages to notice a gradual build up of anxiety? (It being the Dopeys he wouldn't stand a chance of it getting noticed for years). I could be wrong, it might just be a plot device to make sure that Freddy is alone to face whatever it is that's going to happen on Wednesday.

That is definitely the way I interpreted it.

CaptainMyCaptain · 06/06/2023 09:53

The MH angle I mean.

CountryCousin · 06/06/2023 10:27

Epic OP, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g ! Loving the Bourne reference. Grin

Is Wednesday the anniversary of anything concerning Ben? He seemed to be gearing up to be particularly miserable on that day.

This Friday is the 20,000th episode, yes?

iratepirate · 06/06/2023 10:56

CaptainMyCaptain · 06/06/2023 09:52

That is definitely the way I interpreted it.

Me too!

Bubbylana · 06/06/2023 11:14

Opps got confused listened too early in the morning.🤦‍♀️

JayAlfredPrufrock · 06/06/2023 11:41

At least we didn’t get to hear Tony eating the ice cream.

BoreOfWhabylon · 06/06/2023 12:20

Thanks @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g Top title! Grin

DeanElderberry · 06/06/2023 12:40

I hope they aren't going to 'celebrate' the day by killing one of the people we've been encouraged to think fondly of lately - Brian, Tony, Bess.

Otoh, if someone explains the concept of 'a verbal contract (or advice on a major purchase) is worth the paper it's written on' to Stella that would be fun.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 06/06/2023 16:27

CountryCousin · 06/06/2023 10:27

Epic OP, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g ! Loving the Bourne reference. Grin

Is Wednesday the anniversary of anything concerning Ben? He seemed to be gearing up to be particularly miserable on that day.

This Friday is the 20,000th episode, yes?

Great spot re significant landmark episode! <sidles off to Spoilers thread>

OP posts:
CountryCousin · 06/06/2023 16:30

I read it somewhere, and then immediately forgot where, so can’t quote or link to the fact. But I’d be surprised if they don’t attempt to mark it in some way.

CountryCousin · 06/06/2023 16:37

Aha! Daily Mail, from the Spoilers thread.

JanglyBeads · 06/06/2023 17:02

What, the DM reads the spoilers thread?!?

WitcheryDivine · 06/06/2023 17:40

Checking in

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 06/06/2023 17:49

Grin No, as this isn't a spoiler, I feel I can reveal that on the spoilers thread the Daily Mail summary of the week ahead says the 20,000th episode falls this week.

OP posts:
PuppyPerson · 06/06/2023 17:54

This is not a drill 🤣👏👏 Very good!
Surely they'll plan something dramatic for the 20,000th episode - what an amazing achievement, if you think about it. I know we moan about it but I do love having listened to it for so many years of my own life, it's an impressive thing to have run a soap for so long that millions of people listen to.

Actually no idea how many listeners The Archers has!

Fingerlimes · 06/06/2023 18:05

Dad Dad Dad might be able to share some stats?

Eastie77Returns · 06/06/2023 19:20

FallonsNewCoat · 06/06/2023 09:14

You have such a flair for these titles @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g! It’s a rare talent and much admired!

Tony seems to have forgotten that around 10 days ago he was about to disinherit Tom. I first thought the bonding scene over the strawberry ice-cream was unrealistic but have recalibrated this morning and realise it’s actually just very typical of the ups and downs of family life.

I noticed he also couldn’t remember the word for the activity he was carrying out (hoeing) and Tom had to gently finish the sentence for him. I think this is the start of another illness and yet more misery for Bridge Farm.

JanglyBeads · 06/06/2023 19:40

Oh I need to listen again re Tony then.

Hmm so Justin backs Stella but quite openly. I think there must have been more to that lunch than ex colleagues meeting up.
Maybe the Cambs farm was a front for something else?!?

stilldumdedumming · 06/06/2023 19:43

Just got 'this is not a drill!' Must do better!

Thank you for the new'en!

FallonsNewCoat · 06/06/2023 20:02

Spritzers?!? Can’t see J and L being very happy with that!

Voltefarce · 06/06/2023 20:05

Gosh George is just vile isn’t he. And Emma an idiot.

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